Highly selective sulfonated poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene)/poly(ether sulfone) blend proton exchange membranes for direct methanol fuel cells

Abstract

Proton exchange membranes (PEMs) based on blends of poly(ether sulfone) (PES) and sulfonated poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (sPVdF‐co‐HFP) were prepared successfully. Fabricated blend membranes showed favorable PEM characteristics such as reduced methanol permeability, high selectivity, and improved mechanical integrity. Additionally, these membranes afford comparable proton conductivity, good oxidative stability, moderate ion exchange capacity, and reasonable water uptake. To appraise PEM performance, blend membranes were characterized using techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, AC impedance spectroscopy; atomic force microscopy, and thermogravimetry. Addition of hydrophobic PES confines the swelling of the PEM and increases the ultimate tensile strength of the membrane. Proton conductivities of the blend membranes are about 10−3 S cm−1. Methanol permeability of 1.22 × 10−7cm2 s−1 exhibited by the sPVdF‐co‐HFP/PES10 blend membrane is much lower than that of Nafion‐117. AFM studies divulged that the sPVdF‐co‐HFP/PES blend membranes have nodule like structure, which confirms the presence of hydrophilic domain. The observed results demonstrated that the sPVdF‐co‐HFP/PES blend membranes have promise for possible usage as a PEM in direct methanol fuel cells. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43907.

Polyvinyl alcohol‐based membranes for filtration of aqueous solutions: A comprehensive review

“…[52,53] Thus, high proton conductivity as well as low methanol permeability are key factors for DMFC membranes. [54] Variety of polymers have already been applied for DMFC membranes [55][56][57][58][59] among which PVA-based ones are also highly favored. [60][61][62] Increased membrane weight loss, [63] high temperature/ pressure resistance, [64,65] improved water/alcohol separation, [66,67] and most importantly, enhanced proton conductivity [68,69] are major benefits associated with PVA membranes in DMFCs.…”

Novel modified polyethersulfone high temperature and low humidity fuel cell membrane: Experimental and simulation study

“…PEM plays a vital role due to its responsibility as an electrolyte to conduct the ionic charges and make the circuit complete for power generation. [1][2][3][4] The superior potential of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) as environmental pollution minimizers, lightweight, and improved energy conversion efficiency makes them an emerging class of new technologies in fuel cells. 5 Although PEM offers several benefits, but it contains some obstructions, such as limited operational temperature below 100 C, expensive, low stability, exposure of fluorine in the atmosphere, and high methanol crossover, which restrict their applicability at the commercial level.…”

“…Membrane electrode assembly (MEA) is an essential component for fuel cells, which is composed of proton exchange membrane (PEM) and electrodes. PEM plays a vital role due to its responsibility as an electrolyte to conduct the ionic charges and make the circuit complete for power generation 1–4 . The superior potential of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) as environmental pollution minimizers, lightweight, and improved energy conversion efficiency makes them an emerging class of new technologies in fuel cells 5 .…”